Spotlight on Sempervivum ruthenicum

Sempervivum ruthenicum is a houseleek native to the southern and western Romanian Carpathians, particularly in the Dobruja region in eastern Romania. It is found at low altitudes, up to 1,000 metres above sea level. It is thought to be rare, but accurately determining its distribution is difficult as it can only be formally identified when the plants are in flower, being the only houseleek in the region to produce yellow flowers. Recognising it is all the more difficult in summer, as it lies more prostrate and curled up on itself in order to retain as much water as possible, given that the weather can sometimes be very hot and dry for long periods. In particular, it can be confused with Sempervivum marmoreum. As you can see, the two species appear quite different, but in the wild the two varieties can look similar outside the flowering season. Sempervivum ruthenicum thrives in very rocky habitats, alongside grasses of varying heights.

In cultivation, it presents no particular difficulties; it is just as hardy as other Sempervivum species and can be grown outdoors all year round, exposed to the elements: strong sunshine, rain, snow, frost… It is a great pleasure to see these plants looking so beautiful all the time! Its rosettes of light green, downy leaves are particularly attractive, with tips ranging from brown to purple.